New ailment: Nature deficit disorder’ in schoolchildren

Plymouth River School plans to address what Principal Chuck Cormier referred to as “nature deficit disorder” this year. He explained what this means to the School Committee recently when presenting PRS’ end-of-year school council report....

Plymouth River School plans to address what Principal Chuck Cormier referred to as “nature deficit disorder” this year.

He explained what this means to the School Committee recently when presenting PRS’ end-of-year school council report.

“Technology use and other issues are why kids aren’t outside more,” Cormier said. “Research shows that children who spend time outdoors show greater creativity.”

One goal for the new school year is to implement a school-wide curriculum theme that connects students to nature, addresses the issues associated with nature deficit disorder, and promotes outdoor creative play within the school’s wooded setting. Plymouth River already has a nature trail.

Related discussions will involve parents and faculty — including the physical education teacher — who will brainstorm to come up with activities that would be suitable for such an environment.

PRS will also conduct a search of other schools in the state that use a more creative approach to recess, including site visits.

“We want to help kids take reasonable but safe risks,” Cormier said.

He noted that students participated in a Winter Fun Day last February during an early-release day. The event featured rock climbing, a scavenger hunt, creating outdoor sculptures with the art teacher, and building forts with parents.

Family Math Night focused on math in nature, including nature-based problem-solving and logic games, visual perception and measurement activities, and geometry.

The “Inside Out” program was based on connections between nature and art, culminating with family activities and workshops and a bonfire with singing and toasting marshmallows.

The end-of-year event included opportunities for students to view stars and planets with telescopes provided by the South Shore Astronomical Society and nature walks, gardening, wildlife displays, readings, nature games, and a presentation of the related poetry contest finalists.